“We had a very positive meeting with all the staff of the club on Monday and I am sure Gareth's appointment will be warmly received”

Southampton owner Katharina Liebherr

"We had a very positive meeting with all the staff of the club on Monday and I am sure Gareth's appointment will be warmly received.”

Rogers, who has been the Saint's CFO since March 2011, added: “I am very pleased to be able help the club by stepping up to the CEO’s job on an interim basis. We have a fantastic staff and everyone is working together to make sure the club ends the season as strongly as possible.”

This latest development comes only a day after Liebherr publicly backed manager Mauricio Pochettino.

The future of the Argentine, who has only 17 months left on his current contract, was hugely uncertain after the departure of Cortese.

But in attempt to build bridges with Pochettino, Liebherr gave the Saints boss her full support.

Liebherr said: "I have met our manager Mauricio Pochettino and have given him my complete support to build on the good work that has already been achieved."